A technique used to provide anti-theft protection. A EAS label or tag is applied to the product and is used along with EAS detection equipment to detect if an item is being removed without authorization. The EAS systems are used in stores, data centers and libraries. When the item is purchased or checked out, the label is made inactive by the use of a deactivation device. If the label has not been properly deactivated it will set off an alarm when passing through the electronic surveillance detector.